1
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For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, and do not ignore my plea. |
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2
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Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught |
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3
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at the voice of the enemy, at the pressure of the wicked. For they release disaster upon me and revile me in their anger. |
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4
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My heart murmurs within me, and the terrors of death assail me. |
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5
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Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me. |
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6
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I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. |
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7
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How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah |
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8
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I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.” |
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9
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O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. |
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10
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Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within. |
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11
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Destruction is within; oppression and deceit never leave the streets. |
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12
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For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. |
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13
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But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. |
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14
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We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. |
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15
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Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes. |
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16
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But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. |
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17
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Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. |
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18
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He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. |
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19
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God will hear and humiliate them—the One enthroned for the ages—Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God. |
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20
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My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. |
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21
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His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
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22
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Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. |
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23
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But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
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